General Motors Chevrolet Equinox EV Recall, Pedestrian Alert Sound System Failure Puts Safety at Risk
General Motors recalled 27,677 Chevrolet Equinox EV vehicles on January 9, 2026, because their pedestrian alert sound systems can fail completely, creating serious safety risks for pedestrians who rely on warning sounds to detect approaching electric vehicles. The recall affects 2025 model year Equinox EVs built between April 1, 2024 and December 19, 2024, under NHTSA campaign number 26V024000.
Federal law requires all electric vehicles to emit warning sounds at low speeds so pedestrians can hear them coming. When your Equinox EV’s pedestrian alert system fails, people walking near your vehicle—especially those with visual impairments—lose that critical audio warning.
Why the Pedestrian Alert System Matters
Electric vehicles run nearly silent at speeds below 18 mph, which federal safety regulators determined creates a hazard for pedestrians who depend on engine noise to detect approaching cars. The Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010 required all EVs and hybrids to include alert sound systems by September 2020.
GM discovered the software defect during routine testing. The pedestrian alert sound system, which should automatically activate when the vehicle moves at low speeds, can shut down entirely without warning. When this happens, your Equinox EV operates silently in parking lots, residential areas, and anywhere pedestrians might not expect a quiet-running vehicle.
Which Equinox EVs Are Affected
The recall includes 27,677 model year 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EVs manufactured at GM’s Ramos Arizpe Assembly plant in Mexico. All affected vehicles have build dates between April 1, 2024 and December 19, 2024.
GM estimates about 5% of recalled vehicles actually have the pedestrian alert system defect, but all vehicles built during this period need inspection to verify proper system operation.
What GM Is Doing About It
Dealers will update the vehicle’s software to fix the pedestrian alert sound system at no charge to owners. The over-the-air software update takes approximately 30 minutes to complete at authorized Chevrolet dealerships.
GM began notifying dealers on January 9, 2026, and will start mailing owner notification letters on February 10, 2026. If you own an affected Equinox EV, watch your mailbox for the official recall notice with instructions on scheduling the repair.
How to Check If Your Equinox EV Is Recalled
Visit NHTSA’s recall lookup tool at nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit VIN (vehicle identification number). You’ll find your VIN on the driver’s side dashboard where it meets the windshield, or on your vehicle registration.
You can also call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and provide your VIN to verify if your Equinox EV is part of this safety recall.
Your Rights Under This Recall
Federal motor vehicle safety law provides specific protections when your vehicle is recalled. Dealers must repair the pedestrian alert sound system defect at no cost for parts or labor.
If you already paid for repairs related to this pedestrian alert system issue before the recall was announced, contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 to request reimbursement. Keep all repair receipts and documentation.
You’re not required to use the original selling dealer—any authorized Chevrolet dealer can perform the recall repair work.
What to Do While Waiting for Repairs
NHTSA hasn’t issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for this recall, but exercise extra caution. Without a functioning pedestrian alert system, your Equinox EV runs silently at low speeds, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents in parking areas and residential streets.
Be especially vigilant in areas where pedestrians might not expect a silent vehicle, such as school zones, shopping centers, and crosswalks.
Can This Lead to Legal Claims?
If a failed pedestrian alert system contributed to an accident or injury involving a pedestrian, affected owners may have legal options beyond the free recall repair. Consumer lawyers can help evaluate whether you have grounds for additional compensation if the defect caused injuries or property damage before the recall was announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the Equinox EV recall repair take?
The software update takes approximately 30 minutes at an authorized Chevrolet dealership. Schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your recall notice to avoid delays.
Will this recall affect my Equinox EV’s resale value?
Properly completed recalls typically don’t hurt resale value. However, unrepaired safety recalls can make selling more difficult and may reduce what buyers offer.
Does the recall apply to leased Equinox EVs?
Yes. The safety recall applies to all affected vehicles regardless of ownership status. Contact your Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free software update.
What if the pedestrian alert system fails again after the repair?
If problems persist after the recall repair, document each occurrence and contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Multiple failed repair attempts may give you additional rights under your state’s lemon law.
Can I still drive my Equinox EV before getting it repaired?
NHTSA hasn’t issued a “Do Not Drive” order, but use extreme caution in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic until the software update is completed.
Last Updated: January 21, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
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About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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